Irvine-based automaker Kia Motors America named Michael Cole chief operating officer and executive vice president on Tuesday. He succeeds Michael Sprague, who left the post last month.
Cole will be responsible for all U.S. sales, marketing, service and corporate and product planning. He most recently was COO of Kia Motors Europe since 2012.
President and Chief Executive Sean Yoon said he looks forward to working with Cole as the company prepares to roll out new and redesigned products over the next 18 months.
“Kia’s sales, market share and brand awareness increased dramatically across Europe under Michael Cole’s leadership and his wealth of knowledge and experience will serve our U.S. operations well,” Yoon said in a statement.
